Category Archives: economics

Going wireless in Europe: what you need to know about cell phones and tablets

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Mathew Lodge

Part 1 of 2 articles: the second covers cellular data in Europe Last updated: April 2013 To many Americans, staying in touch with a cell phone or tablet while in Europe can seem difficult and expensive. But savvy travelers know … Continue reading →

Posted in apple, cell phones, economics, europe, general, iphone, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

What is Chianti Classico wine?

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Mathew Lodge

A trip to Tuscany inevitably means a glass of red Chianti Classico for most visitors. But what makes a Chianti wine special? Chianti Classico must come from grapes grown in a strictly defined area of the Chianti hills between Florence … Continue reading →

Posted in economics, europe, history, italy, travel, tuscany, wine | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Going mobile in Europe part 2: data services

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Mathew Lodge

Updated March 2012 If you read the previous article, you now know the answer to the question “why doesn’t my American cell phone just work in Europe?” and what to do about it. This article will take a look at … Continue reading →

Posted in cell phones, economics, europe, general, travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Set up your iPhone for Europe and save money

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Mathew Lodge

Travelling with your AT&T iPhone to Europe? Here’s how you can make sure it works when you get there and avoid a giant bill when you get back. Who doesn’t like to save money? First, a quick note for Verizon … Continue reading →

Posted in cell phones, economics, general, italy, travel, tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Temple Church London and The Da Vinci Code

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

Exterior of Temple Church, London (c) Copyright 2006-2010 Mathew Lodge / www.lodgephoto.com. Updated March 2010. Temple Church is a remarkable building because it has survived intact in pretty much its original form in the centre of a major city for … Continue reading →

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Bastides: Taxes and Real-Estate Speculation in Medieval France

Posted on March 22, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

North-by-North-west of Toulouse, the Lot and Dordogne departmentare a joy to behold: well-preserved medieval towns called Bastides with their neat churches, gridiron layouts and square covered markets cling to the limestone banks of the rivers for which the regions are … Continue reading →

Posted in economics, europe, france, history, story behind the picture, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How the credit crunch makes going to Europe easier

Posted on December 15, 2008 by Mathew Lodge

Just how is it that the freezing of the world’s credit markets can help you go on vacation? There are two answers: changing Dollar currency exchange rates, and the fall in the price of oil. One Euro today costs $1.34, … Continue reading →

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